The hills are alive! Music lovers will find plenty of sounds to lose themselves in during a visit to Estes Park, whether it’s mixing and mingling with locals at a local watering hole or gathering at a lovely outdoor venue for an afternoon jam session.
Live Music Venues
Where to go to enjoy some serious mountain music.
The Rock Inn Mountain Tavern
1675 Highway 66
The granddaddy of Estes Park’s music scene, The Rock Inn has been a go-to spot for decades now – it was built in 1937 as a dance hall during the Big Band Era. Today, there are bands (usually of the acoustic variety) virtually every weekend evening, playing from 6 p.m. until the crowd thins out. The handcrafted comfort food and extensive craft beer list sweetens the deal considerably.
Snowy Peaks Winery
292 Moraine Ave.
Live music and great wine – a match made in heaven! Snowy Peaks Winery, located just steps from the heart of Estes Park’s downtown, brings in a winning roster of the area’s best musicians for a regular Friday afternoon happy hour (4-6pm). Sit back with a glass of fine wine (made from hand-picked Colorado grapes), soak in some Rocky Mountain views abd enjoy the sounds.
Historic Park Theatre
130 Moraine Ave.
Towering over downtown Estes Park since 1913, the Historic Park Theatre has recently been restored to its former glory. In addition to movies, the venue also hosts the HPT Live Series, featuring local and national acts bringing the house down in an incomparable setting. Additionally, the people behind the SnowyGrass Music Festival (see below) have kicked off the Upstream Concert Series at the Historic Park Theatre, with an exciting lineup of bluegrass and folk players (including family friendly matinee shows!).
The Stanley Hotel
333 Wonderview Ave.
A Rocky Mountain icon, the Stanley Hotel isn’t just a great place to stay – it’s a great place to catch some amazing live music (and comedy). The hotel’s Stanley Live series brings in big name artists every year, giving showgoers an intimate concert experience.
The Barrel – Estes Park
251 Moraine Ave.
An open-air beer garden with some of the finest craft brews on tap and plenty of Estes Park sunshine is a good thing already. But if you add in the soothing sounds of local pickers, well, you may never want to leave The Barrel.
Can’t-Miss Music Events
Come on up to Estes Park for these fantastically fun festivals.
Estes Park Mountain Music Festival
Where: Estes Event Center
When: May 12, 2018, 11:30am-9:30pm
This annual spring extravaganza features a day’s worth of diverse Rocky Mountain musical talent. In addition to plenty of catchy tunes, you’ll also be able to enjoy some of Estes Park’s best local food, drink and artisans. Bonus – kids 12 & under are free!
Estes Park Jazz Fest Weekend
Where: Estes Park Performance Park
When: June 2-3, 2018
Kick summer off in swinging style with a weekend full of hot sounds and cool blues. Taking place amidst the gorgeous rocky backdrop of the open-air Estes Park Performance Park, Jazz Fest Weekend is a crash course in jazz history, with genres ranging from big band to bebop and beyond. Dancing is encouraged!
SnowyGrass Music Festival
Where: Baldwin Park
When: July 21, 2018
Bring your picnic blanket down to Baldwin Park (behind Snowy Peaks Winery) for SnowyGrass Music Festival, an Estes Park tradition that showcases some of the area’s best roots, bluegrass and Americana singers, songwriters and performers.
Local Musicians To Check Out
Estes Park is home to a diverse collection of fantastic musicians. Here are just a few to keep your eye (and ear) out for.
Amplified Souls
A high-energy rock outfit with chops to spare, Amplified Souls might just be the ultimate sing-a-long band in Estes Park, with an eclectic repertoire that includes Queen, No Doubt, Adele and Bon Jovi. Careful – those amps go to 11! Listen
Ran Off The Rooster
These ladies can pick and sing with the best of ‘em, delivering infectious modern Americana and bluegrass – with a few surprises in store. After all, when was the last time you heard a string-band arrangement of Beyoncé? Listen
Dahlby and Nadine
An acoustic duo with gorgeous harmonies, Dahlby and Nadine (Erin Dahlby on mandolin and Nadine Sekerez on guitar) make powerful mountain music, with a range of covers and originals that will make your heart soar. Listen
Great Blue
With more than three decades of performing experience behind them, Great Blue is a duo that knows how to cast a spell over an audience. It’s the kind of music that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds. Listen
